The Multitasking Skin Benefits of Amaranth

If we asked you to name the top 10 natural ingredients that are good for your skin, it’s a safe bet most of you wouldn’t have the ancient grain, amaranth, on your list.  But that’s not because it doesn’t deserve to be there, it’s more that you won’t have heard of it, given most skincare companies don’t include it in their products, thanks to its relative rarity and its expense. 

Here’s 5 reasons why that should change and why we’re so proud to highlight amaranth in our Hydration Agent moisturizer.

The Aztecs straight out got how amazing amaranth really is.  It formed an important part of their diet, rich in the kind of protein and fiber that helps maintain the healthy gut we all aspire to.  It’s also an anti-inflammatory (pretty much the opposite to some politicians we know) and is a great food source if you suffer from conditions like arthritis or gout.  Oh, and by the way.  Good for bones? Yep.  Helps lower cholesterol? Yes, that too.  Fights diabetes, aids weight loss, and is gluten free?  Tick, tick, and tick.

Of course, when we add amaranth to our skincare, we’re not suggesting you eat it!  Instead, we use the oil extracted from amaranth seeds, which has some incredible beauty benefits.

Amaranth oil has high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids.  If you’re into ingredients which help fight aging, protect against the sun, are anti-inflammatory, and help hydrate your skin, then this is really good news.

Yes, we know.  Squalene sounds like something with tentacles that lives at the bottom of the ocean, but it’s actually a really important moisturizing agent for the skin.  Trouble is, we struggle to produce much of it after the age of 25.  And that’s where amaranth comes in.  It’s one of the few ingredients out there that comes with an abundance of the stuff.

Our skin loves antioxidants.  That’s because they help to eliminate free radicals (the kind that ravage your skin, not the ones running amok on university campuses), helping to treat infections and reduce inflammation.

Lastly, amaranth is rich in vitamin E, which just happens to be one of our favorite vitamins, given its ability to help tighten skin and smooth out wrinkles.

And there you have it! Our low down on amaranth. Next time you’re compiling your list of top 10 ingredients for your skin (go on, we know you do it all the time), then make sure to add it to your list!